The role of the department for local government in accomplishing good governance at local councils

Abstract

Under the umbrella of good governance there have been numerous discussions over the last two decades. Institutions trend to make aid conditional upon reforms in encouraging real policy changes, insisting upon performance and good governance as a prerequisite for aid. This is a means of requiring an institution to demonstrate the seriousness of its commitment to economic and social reforms. Therefore, in the implementation, a good governance concept should involve the active cooperation of three elements: central government, local government and civil society. The Department for Local Government was established with a mandate to direct, lead and control Local Councils in Malta, and to such extent has managed quite effectively. This study attempts to examine whether the Department is applying the principles of good governance at local level and to put current understanding into perspective, by assessing the current situation at the Local Councils. A survey method based on a set of interviews was used to carry out the investigation. The main conclusion of this study was that the Department for Local Government and Local Councils neglect some important aspects of good governance. Both need to fulfill core good governance functions, ultimately: public accountability, transparency, the role of law, anticorruption measures, civil society participation, and overall respect to human rights.